Summer Concert Series continues on July 26

On Friday, July 26, Sparta's Summer Concert Series will feature an opening performance by local artists "Somethin Southern." The acoustic duo will perform accompanied by percussive rhythms; covering today's country, a few classics and originals with contemporary vibes. Based in Sparta, Somethin’ Southern consists of Michael Fancher, an acoustic guitarist/singer-songwriter and Dodie Guardia, an American country singer/hand-held percussionist.
The concert takes place on the Nicholson Pavilion Stage in George Dykstra Park, 22 Woodport Road in Sparta.
Also performing will be the Celtic music group "The John Byrne Band.
The John Byrne Band is led by Dublin native and Philadelphia-based John Byrne. Their debut album, After the Wake, was released to critical acclaim in 2011. With influences ranging from Tom Waits to Planxty, John's expands upon the musical and lyrical traditions of his native and adopted homes. John and the band followed up After the Wake in early 2013 with an album of Celtic and American traditional tunes. Their third release, another collection of John Byrne originals, entitled "The Immigrant and the Orphan", was released in Sept 2015.
In 2017, John returned to his Irish roots, recording an album with his father, brother and other noted musicians. The album, "John J.Byrne and the Twangmen" consisted of old Dublin Street songs along with some American/Canadian folk tunes, with John's Dad taking the vocals. Special appearances by Andy Keenan (Amos Lee, Jennifer Nettles) and Robbie Malone (Lir, David Gray) along with members of the Irish band Home Brew helped get the attention of the Irish National Archives, who almost immediately added the album to their collection of folk recordings. For more information visit www.johnbyrneband.com.
All concerts in the Sparta Summer Concert Series are free and open to the public, and will be held rain or shine. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic. Show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 26, in George Dykstra Park, 22 Woodport Road, Sparta. In case of inclement weather it will be held indoors at the Mohawk Avenue School Auditorium. Visit www.spartaarts.org for more information and updates.